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Janez Kolarič, physical training instructor
Hiking through Slovenian Istria
An ideal opportunity for outdoor activities
In Slovenian Istria, conditions for outdoor activities — especially hiking and cycling — are ideal. In autumn and particularly in winter even more so, as locals have the most time then and are happy to devote themselves to hikers, while cellars are full of produce that visitors can taste.
Network of hiking trails
In the Municipality of Koper, a network of thematic trails marked with yellow signs is available. In the Municipality of Piran, you can find the renovated Piran circular hiking trails, marked with round signs. Izola also has its own trails—four of them are marked with yellow signs.
Special mention should also be given to the trails we marked in Talaso Strunjan. They were established more than twenty years ago and were true pioneers.
They are marked with yellow signs (author Janez Kolarič). In addition, we should not forget the trails marked by mountaineers with Knafelc red-and-white markings, and the trails of the Heart Association, marked with red-and-blue heart-shaped signs (author Darko Turk). We must also mention the European long-distance path E6, which ends just behind the Svoboda Hotel in Strunjan. One of Krka’s hiking trails (red signs) also follows the E6 route from Pomjan to Strunjan.
Hiking trails lead to hidden corners of Istria… On walks with guests of Talas Strunjan, we are always struck by the realization that every piece of land was once cultivated, as evidenced by stone walls, dry-stone terraces protecting fertile soil, restored water springs, and ancient paths between Istrian villages perched like eagle’s nests atop hills… Everywhere you look, church bell towers rise. Particularly interesting are trails that explore villages beneath the Karst edge, while those seeking more challenge can climb Mount Slavnik from Podgorje or other starting points. The stone overhangs near Sočerga are also well worth visiting.
Challenges for cyclists
Slovenian Istria is a paradise for cyclists, full of steep climbs, rewarded by rides along ridges offering stunning views. Among the most popular cycling routes is the Parenzana (D8), which follows the route of a former railway from Trieste to Poreč. It is well maintained and very popular—a true cycling pilgrimage route! It features numerous bridges, tunnels, and viaducts, yet it is not overly demanding, as the gradients were once manageable even for steam locomotives.
The former narrow-gauge railway route Hrpelje–Kozina–Trieste is also very scenic. The views are breathtaking, and even better—the route descends all the way to Trieste. In the opposite direction, it is a continuous climb up to 500 meters above sea level.
Cyclists are also impressed by 16 cycling routes marked by the Raketa Cycling Club under the project of Goran Sambt. Their distinctive signs are blue arrows and red boards.
Croatian Istria is also a true cycling paradise. More than forty cycling routes (Istra Bike) are excellently marked and described, and hiking trails (Istra Trails) are also systematically marked and presented. Interested visitors can find useful information at:
There are also numerous well-maintained trails and opportunities for active experiences in Italy, although a bit more effort is needed to find information. For marking hiking trails, Italians use a symbol resembling the Austrian flag.
Istria – nature and people
Of course, a pleasant visit is not only about physical activity. In Istria, no visit is complete without tasting its culinary treasures. Both on our side and across the borders, there are many winemakers, olive oil producers, and welcoming inns where tourists, hikers, and cyclists are warmly received.
Istria is, in terms of lifestyle, habits, and traditions, a very unified region.
Due to the influence of Italy and Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean vegetation, it is especially interesting—almost exotic—for visitors from continental areas. There is no bad wine anymore, and the food is truly an experience: olive oil, wild asparagus, blušč, carob, artichokes, bobiči, ombolo, fennel, prosciutto, pancetta, polenta, fritalja with sausage, fuži, and much more.
Spa break in Talaso Strunjan
The greenest part of the Slovenian coast with warm seawater.